Sunshine Pediatrics, LLC

04/23/2026

Motrin for allergies? We need to talk. 📝

Allergy season is officially here, and the DMV pollen count is not playing around. While we love a good multi-tasker, Motrin isn’t going to stop the sneezing. 🤧

For real relief, you need the specialists: Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Xyzal (or their generic forms because they work just as well!).

Pro tip: One pill isn’t always a magic fix. If you or your child is still struggling, you might need to partner your daily dose with a nasal spray or eye drops to hit those stubborn symptoms. Give us a call to build the right “allergy team” for your kids. ✨💊

04/15/2026

Language should never be a barrier to great care. 🩺🌎

Whether it’s Stephanie or Daisy helping you out in Spanish, or using our on-demand interpreter services for any other language, we make sure you leave your appointment with answers, and not questions. 💛

We’re always here to help! 😊

——

El idioma nunca debe ser una barrera para recibir una excelente atención médica. 🌎🩺

Ya sea que Stephanie o Daisy les ayuden en español, o utilizando nuestros servicios de interpretación para cualquier otro idioma, nos aseguramos de que salgan de su cita con respuestas, no con dudas. 💛

¡Estamos aquí para ayudarles! 😊

04/08/2026

POV: You celebrated the “all clear” a little too early… 🚪🫠

04/08/2026

Recent updates to national health guidelines include an important renewed recommendation for your family: children ages 9 to 11 should undergo a routine cholesterol screening.

While many people associate high cholesterol with adults, catching elevated levels early in life is a powerful way to protect your child’s long-term heart health.

This age window is critical for a particular reason. The period between 9 and 11 years old provides the most accurate picture of your child’s baseline cholesterol. Once a child enters puberty, their body experiences significant hormonal shifts. These natural changes temporarily lower blood cholesterol levels, which can mask potential problems and make test results less reliable. Testing before puberty ensures we get the most precise data possible.

Identifying high cholesterol early gives parents and children the chance to make small, healthy lifestyle changes—like adding more physical activity or adjusting family meals—before issues become serious.

Please do not delay this important preventive step. If your child is in this age group, or approaching it, we encourage you to schedule a screening.

To make an appointment, visit our website and look for the "Book an Appointment" button in the upper right-hand corner. This online service is accessible 24/7.

04/06/2026

IMPORTANT MEDICAL NEWS

Recent updates to national health guidelines include an important renewed recommendation for your family: children ages 9 to 11 should undergo a routine cholesterol screening.

While many people associate high cholesterol with adults, catching elevated levels early in life is a powerful way to protect your child’s long-term heart health.

This age window is critical for a particular reason. The period between 9 and 11 years old provides the most accurate picture of your child’s baseline cholesterol. Once a child enters puberty, their body experiences significant hormonal shifts. These natural changes temporarily lower blood cholesterol levels, which can mask potential problems and make test results less reliable. Testing before puberty ensures we get the most precise data possible.

Identifying high cholesterol early gives parents and children the chance to make small, healthy lifestyle changes—like adding more physical activity or adjusting family meals—before issues become serious.

Please do not delay this important preventive step. If your child is in this age group, or approaching it, we encourage you to schedule a screening.

To make an appointment, visit our website and look for the "Book an Appointment" button in the upper right-hand corner. This online service is accessible 24/7.

04/02/2026

At Sunshine Pediatrics, we’re celebrating the unique strengths of every child! Understanding the early signs of autism is the first step in helping your child thrive and get the right support.

Signs to Look For:
1. 🗣️ Communication: Limited eye contact or not responding to their name by 12 months.
2. 🧸 Social Play: Preferring to play alone or difficulty with “make-believe” play.
3. 🔁 Repetition: This can include repetitive movements (like flapping or rocking), a strict reliance on daily routines, or repeating specific words and phrases.
4. 🎧 Sensory: Strong reactions to certain sounds, lights, or textures.

3 Steps to Take Today:
1. Observe: Take notes on what you see at home.
2. Screen: Make sure you complete the developmental screenings indicated for your child’s age at their well visits.
3. Trust Your Gut: You are your child’s best advocate.

Early intervention isn’t about “fixing”, it’s about providing the tools for a bright future. 🌈 🧩 💙

Questions? Give us a call at 301-593-5400 to chat or to schedule a check-in.

03/17/2026

Sunshine Pediatrics has implemented new office hours:

~ Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 9 AM - 5 PM
~ Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9 AM to 1 PM

To schedule an appointment, we encourage you to visit our website (https://clarkmdpeds.com) and look for the "Book an Appointment" button in the upper right-hand corner. This online service is accessible 24/7.

We will continue to offer same-day appointments during our regular office hours for urgent medical needs. For same-day appointments, please call (301) 593-5440.

03/01/2026

Sunshine Pediatrics is thrilled to announce that Dr. Maiya Clark has been named a 2025 Top Doctor by Washingtonian magazine. This prestigious honor recognizes her unwavering dedication to providing exceptional pediatric care and her significant contributions to the health of our community's children.

This acknowledgment is a testament to Dr. Clark’s expertise, compassion, and commitment to her patients and their families. The Top Doctor selection is a highly respected peer-review process, making this a significant acknowledgment of her standing among fellow physicians. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Clark on this well-deserved recognition.

02/27/2026

Parenting is a lot. We know those mornings where the “no-sleep” eyes are heavy, the messy bun is a survival tactic, and the “forgot the diaper bag” panic is all too real.

Please know: we see the heart and hard work behind it all. While our office is usually focused on the kids, we know that healthy, happy families start with parents who aren’t running on empty. You can’t pour from a glass that’s half full. Your mental health is a necessity, not a luxury.

Because you matter just as much as the little ones you’re looking after, we’ve written a special “prescription” just for you. 🩺🤍

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

01/29/2026